Prospective Mature Student 2006

sara_501

Hi all

First post on here...

Basically I'm 20 yrs old and a single mother of 1, I'm considering going to university in Sheffield in the autumn term of 2006.

BUT the prospect of 3 years with no income and future debts are really putting me off the idea (I realise I'm not alone with these thoughts, so I thought I'd post)

Firstly does anyone know if I would still qualify for housing and council tax benefit?

would I still get income support/child tax credit?

what sort of yearly income would I get? I'm currently on approx £98 p.w.

does anyone know of any sites that are specific to mature students in the uk? and would i qualify for any extra help? as I'm unable to work when I'm not studying due to looking after my daughter.

many thanks in advance for any help you can give

Sara

stuwilky

Hi Sara,

Firstly welcome to the board.

OK student funding, you probably know that there are massive changes to student finance from 2006, most notably the introduction of "top up fees". As for the rest of what you would be entitled to it is very difficult to comment, simply because the information hasnt been announced. And isnt likely to be for some time.

What I would advise is to consider, if at all possible, a September 2005 start - this way you would be on the existing funding system for the duration of your degree programme. Without knowing the exact details of your personal situation you would potentially be entitled to
- Full fee support (ie you dont need to pay anything)
- Student Loan of £4195
- Childcare Grant - of 85% of your childcare
- Parents Learning Allowance of £1365

You would still receive child tax credit - although some of your student funding may need to be declared as income (although if you dont work it shouldnt make any difference)
You do not need Council Tax Benefit, presuming there is just you and the little one in the house, as full time undergraduate students are exempt from Council Tax.

You also receive the childcare grant during the summer (for the first two years) so would be able to perhaps do a bit of work during the summer to get some extra cash.

Im not entirely sure on the rules regarding income support so I cant answer that one and be confident of the correct answer.

EDIT - Remember though that the above info and figures relate to a September 2005 start (ie this September)

And there is plenty of time to sort things out between now and then if you decide to go for it!

halcyon_drift

dont know how much of a difference this makes, but i'm pretty sure you are only considered as a mature student if you are ABOVE the age of 21years...maybe just something to keep in mind with regards to loans, etc

Halcyon

chugalug

Hi, I'm almost at the end of my first year as a very mature student with 4 children - good luck to you, you wont regret it. I have to say the debt thing shouldnt be too much of a problem for you as you're still only young - plenty of years till retirement. As for the finances, I dont find them too much of a problem. The difference for students with children (whether mature or not) is that you are able to claim housing benefit and Income Support. You arent likely to get anything for the academic year as you have your loan and grants coming in. But as this income is only taken into account from beginning of October to Mid June (if thats your academic year) it isnt counted for the long summer break. You can then claim full housing benefit and Income Support for that period. If you do work during the year you would still be entitled to WTC (if working over 16 hours) and CTC. I wouldnt advise you to claim your childcare through the tax credits though as they only contribute 70% - the LA grant is 85% and that makes a difference. For WTC and CTC student support is not counted but as I said it is for HB and IS. For me its better to not work during the year and do temping during the holidays but you'll soon work out whats best for you. Have a great time. HTH

FREEisBetterThanCHEAP

Hi Sara - I just wondered what course you were thinking of, or rather what end you have in view after graduating?

sara_501

Not entirely sure what I want to do when I graduate, probably something adminstrative as that is where my vocational background lies, I just want to be higher up the pay scale and with more prospects.